Advantage Assam 2.0: A New Dawn for Investment and Infrastructure

Current Context: The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 was held on February 25-26, 2025, at the Veterinary Field, Khanapara, Guwahati.

• The event was organized by the Government of Assam and chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Theme

• The theme of the summit was "Investment and Infrastructure for a Viksit Assam."

Aim

• The summit aimed to attract investments, promote sustainable development, and position Assam as a major investment destination in India and Southeast Asia.

Important Highlights

• Investment Commitments: The summit secured investment commitments totaling ₹4.91 lakh crore, focusing on key sectors such as transport, green energy, and urban infrastructure.
• Energy and Infrastructure: Ambitious plans for energy security, inland waterways, and start-up growth, with MoUs worth over ₹2 lakh crore signed on the first day.
• Inland Waterways: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a ₹4,800 crore plan to transform Assam’s inland waterways, including the development of the Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri.
• Start-Up Ecosystem: Introduction of the Assam Startup & Innovation Policy 2025, offering financial incentives for start-ups across various sectors.
• Skilled Manpower: Emphasis on overhauling the state education sector to produce skilled manpower to absorb the investments.

Question:

Q.1 What was the theme of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025?
a) Assam - The Gateway to India’s Growth
b) Investment and Infrastructure for a Viksit Assam
c) Sustainable Development through Investment
d) Northeast: The Engine of India’s Growth

Answer: b)  The theme of the summit was "Investment and Infrastructure for a Viksit Assam." It aligns with the Government of India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aiming for comprehensive economic development in Assam.